Big Hearts Small Arrows

By Aurelio Acebo

Big Hearts, Small Arrows is fantasy fiction about Cupid's adventure to Earth. His mission was to bring love, joy, faith and hope, to the world. To find evildoers. Cupid learned on Earth, without love and faith, he would not be strong enough. He always prayed and never stopped believing in our Holy Savior and Lord.

Cupid conquered evil wit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon Publishing LLC
• Release date: Jan 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578235899

Book preview

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Big Hearts

Small Arrows

Aurelio Acebo

A Simon Publishing LLC imprint

Shape, arrow Description automatically generated

BIG HEARTS SMALL ARROWS

Copyright @2020 by Aurelio Acebo

All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States. This is a work of fiction. No part of this book my be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information contact Simon Publishing LLC at

[e-mail]

First Edition

EPub ISBN: 978-1-7361881-0-1

Library of Congress Number: 2020916032

Author: Aurelio Acebo

Published by Simon Publishing LLC

Cover design by Joanne Simon Tailele

Printed by Ingram Spark

United States of America

Cover photos from Shutterstock:

Hearts # 24-4423900

Cupid with bow and arrow # 12-454423

Vector Heart with Arrows #12-5384594

For Jenna Marie and Anthony

Chapter 1

In the beginning there were myths about many things and many places. Mythology has it as a boy named Cupid. He had come to earth to spread love to all who needed it. An immortal one. The Romans believed he first came to them. The Greeks also believed he came to them first. No one really knows. Some believed his mother, Aphrodite, was from Venus. Some believed he was the son of Mercury. A lot of ancient philosophers believe he came from Mount Olympus. It could be anyone’s guess.

There came the day that Cupid’s mother knew it was time to send him to Mother Earth. He said goodbye to his half-sister, Harmonia and his half-brother, Deimos. Cupid’s mother gave him a special bow that was soaked by her tears. More than just a goodbye kiss. He was wrapped in a soft white blanket. That was all he had, along with a few arrows.

Cupid’s father, Ares, said goodbye, and said to be strong. I love you, do well, Cupid, said his mother.

Cupid did not know what was in store for him. Cupid had never heard of Earth. Cupid said goodbye but he also knew they all loved him. Cupid’s mother’s only wish was that he would be wise.

Falling and falling, Cupid fell through the clouds. He could hardly breathe. He was very scared. He held his bow tightly to his pounding heart. He fell even faster and faster not knowing where he was going or whether he would make it to Earth. Suddenly he slowed down, falling slower toward Earth. Slower and slower through even more clouds. He never cried, even slower and slower until he ever so softly and gently settled in a nest high above the ground. It was the Eagles nest, a strong and well-built nest. High above the forest, Cupid could see for a long distance away. He didn’t see any people. The eagle was much bigger and stronger than Cupid. The golden bald eagle was surprised to see him in her nest. She looked curiously at Cupid. The large brown eagle had very big claws, but did not harm Cupid, or attack. He turned his head one way then to the other way. He was not afraid of Cupid but seemed to welcome him as a new friend.

The forest was full of parrots, some green, some yellow, and even some blue ones. But they made so much noise. Cupid yelled out. Be quiet. Shush, you silly parrots. Instead they repeated everything he said. What a strange place this earth was. The large male eagle flew away from the nest, only to return with food for Cupid. He brought oranges, apples, grapes, and even snails. Somehow, the eagle knew to feed his guest

Cupid climbed down and ran past a sign that said Keep Out. I’m just minding my own business. Nothing will happen to me. What was that? It sounded like someone asking for help. No, must be the trees or maybe one of those parrots following me. He turned but didn’t see anyone. There it was again. What was that? It seemed like it was getting closer and louder.

Help me, someone help me.

He heard it again.

Help me, will someone please help me?

Cupid started running as fast as he could towards the sweet voice crying for help. To Cupid’s surprise there was a human person. It was a girl, and she was crying for help. Her long brown hair was all tangled up in a giant rose bush. Cupid tried to get her free but the wind blowing tangled it more and more. Cupid tried and tried. Ouch. The rose thorns were so long and sharp he was getting pricked like crazy. He only could imagine how she must have felt. It made him try harder, and after wrestling and struggling with the branches, he finally got her free. Thorns were still stuck in her hair and some were stuck in Cupid’s hair and hands. But she was freed and not afraid any longer.

Wow, she smells really good and she is just as beautiful. Cupid’s heart pounded in his chest. He had never seen such beauty. Her eyes were brown and glowed like a night star. And when she spoke, Oh thank you, with that soft loving tone, Cupid was stunned. A friendly person. He remembered the sign that said Keep Out. It didn’t matter to him anymore. Her beauty would be worth anything.

After she thanked Cupid, she noticed his bow. Are you going to harm me or shoot me now?

Oh no, never.

What is your name? she asked.

My name is Cupid. What’s your name?

My name is Natalie, and I’m so thankful you came along, Cupid.

Cupid stumbled over his words. Me too, I mean, Oh, I forgot what I was going to say. The tips of his wings turned crimson.

Natalie’s hair blew in the wind. Do you have wings?

Oh, those things? Yeah, they’re wings. He tried to tuck them in closer. What if she didn’t like them?

They’re cute, adorable even. You are very attractive, Cupid.

Oh, not as attractive as you, Natalie.

Natalie smiled. Are you sure you’re not going to shoot me with your arrow, Cupid?

No way, never. Why were you in the rose bush?

I was told never to go near that rose bush because it was dangerous, but it has the prettiest roses.

But there are so many other ones you can pick from.

So, I like them. Thank you for risking your life for me.

Cupid could only smile.

You have a nice smile. Natalie said.

Cupid blushed deeper and goosebumps crept up his arms. I’ll get those roses for you Natalie. He picked eight of the largest ones of all different colors. Then he cleaned off the thorns. He made a little circle and tied the roses together making a crown. Handing her the crown, he said. Natalie . . .you are so beautiful; you are a Queen without a crown. So now you have one.

Why, Cupid. That is so thoughtful and considerate of you. She looked him up and down. What’s with that blanket you are wearing?

Oh, that, it’s my baby blanket. Oh, I mean that’s just what I wear.

Go behind that bush over there and toss me your old blanket, Natalie said.

Why? said Cupid?

Let me show you, I trust you, Cupid. Don’t you trust me?

Well okay, but don’t try anything funny. He tossed her his blanket.

You got it?

Yes, just stay there and wait. Natalie used a thorn from the rose bush that was stuck in her hair. She cut and sewed with the strands of her long hair. She made him a better-looking garment, something more fitting for wearing on Earth.

Cupid was getting uncomfortable. Are you done, Natalie?

Not yet, hold on just a few more minutes. Time passed slowly, Okay Cupid… I’m all done. Here it comes. She tossed it to him over the bush.

Got it. Cupid quickly put it on. It was nicely made and strong. I’m coming out now.

Natalie searched his face. Do you like it?

Cupid said, "I do. How does it look?

Wow, you look great, she said.

They both laughed. She had her crown, and he had a new outfit to wear. Perfect and sensible. They started to play. First, they played catch with a round rock. Then they played tag. As the day went on, they played tic-tac-toe. They had so much fun.

Let’s go to the Molove River, he said.

What’s that?

You know, the river near the mountain. I renamed it that.

Why? asked Natalie.

Cause I felt like it! Wanna go for a swim?

Yes, sure.

They swam and jumped around like a bunch of little kids. Natalie could swim better than Cupid, but he could swim too. The current was strong but not enough to stop them and the water felt clean and fresh. Cupid and Natalie found a large rock where they dried off and rested. They liked it there. It was very sunny. They could see a long distance.

What’s that? Cupid pointed toward the volcano.

Oh, don’t worry, it’s been there for years.

Okay, I like you, Natalie.

Natalie said, I like you more. They laughed. They were so young, Cupid’s bow so close. Natalie’s eyes where wide open and full of joy.

Wanna play jump from the rock? Cupid asked.

They climbed high up and leapt into the deep blue river. The second time, they held hands. They sang songs to each other.

Natalie sang: Cupid, if I could be anywhere in this world, I’d wanna be in my hut dreaming of you.

Cupid blushed. Wow, Thank you….my turn. He sang: Sometimes I need to hold on to someone even if it’s only for a minute. I can’t even find the words. Point me towards tomorrow. What am I gonna live for? I can’t deny what I’m feeling. Is it always supposed to be this way? I got here because of you, Natalie… I’ll never forget that.

Natalie cried happy tears. Thank you, Cupid, I love that song.

I love your song better, he said shyly.

They kissed each other on the cheek. Then Cupid gave Natalie the lion’s tooth he had around his neck.

What’s this for? she asked.

Because I love you. I got it from my lion friend.

She looked confused.

It’s a long story. Maybe someday I will tell you, said Cupid.

Oh well. I still love it. I’ll keep it always.

They hugged for a long time. Cupid sang some more: Now that I have love, you can’t take it away. No one can take it from me. I have love. Cupid cried for a short while and they played more games.

Natalie placed her fingers in her mouth and made a high screeching nose. Hey, Cupid do you know how to do this? It’s called whistle.

No. How did you do that?

You take your two fingers and put them in your mouth and put your tongue like this, and blow and out comes this loud noise. She did it again to demonstrate.

Cupid practiced and practiced till he got it right. Wow, that’s cool.

Have you ever been tickled? Cupid asked. He put his fingers under her armpit and ribs. Tickle, tickle.Natalie squealed with laughter. Cupid did it again and again until tears ran down her face. It’s so funny, in a good way. Are you ticklish?

I don’t think so, said Cupid. But when she tried it, Cupid burst out with a loud cry. He could not stop laughing. That’s so crazy.

I know she said. They began to dance, holding hands and singing songs and dreaming. Cupid and Natalie were so happy. They stared into each other’s eyes. Cupid would never have to shoot his bow for this one! They trusted each other, trusted they would take care of one another, that they would protect one another. Such sweet, young devotion. Cupid used a fish bone comb to untangle and comb Natalie’s hair. Her hair was long, dark and straight with no imperfections. I truly have love for her. Cupid would always have his bow and arrows close by. That was his job, to spread love. Not hate, but passion. Natalie held the lion’s tooth close to her chest, squeezing it tightly.

Why is that volcano smoking? asked Cupid. He didn’t like it. The ground trembled. Why does it make the ground shake?

Natalie tried to calm his fears. Oh Cupid, it does that all the time. Nothing to worry about.

If she said so, it must be right. He’d think nothing more about it. They moved closer up the mountain where there was lots of smoke. They followed the Molove River higher and higher. The ground rumbled. No biggie, thought Cupid.

Are you hungry? Natalie asked. When he said yes, Natalie found a bee’s nest and scraped off some honey. They filled their bellies with bee honey. She gathered some snails, put the honey on the snails and gave it to Cupid to eat. They were so good. She ate some too.

The Molove River was full of wildlife and food. Cupid kept an eye on the volcano, especially when the ground shook. He did not like it, even when Natalie assured him all was fine.

Cupid thought he saw a large shadow, something like a large bird. Perhaps an eagle. Maybe it was a warning. Cupid listened to Natalie. She would never steer him in the wrong direction. The clouds were gray, and the sky was so blue. It must just be the way it is around here. It was getting dark. It was almost time to lie down and rest. Where would Cupid rest? He could tell that Natalie was also tired.

They sat near the Molove River. Natalie wrapped her hair around Cupid so they could keep warm. It was getting cold. They said goodnight to each other and fell asleep under a tree. He was not cold anymore. Cupid thought he would get a good night’s sleep, but sometimes the ground would shake enough to wake them up. Stars were out in the dark sky. No sounds anywhere except for some crickets and frogs, just quiet darkness.

Natalie still wore her crown of roses on her head. Cupid still had his bow and arrows close by, always ready. Cupid’s turquoise eyes closed, and Natalie was sleeping too. Hot smoke filled the air. It was a cozy, warm night for them. Natalie’s long hair kept them warm. Nothing to worry about. The far-off ocean’s tide came in and out as it always did. They held each other close. New love had a bond. When morning came, Cupid woke first.

Good morning, Natalie said. I’m hungry. Do you ever use that bow?

Sure, said Cupid. I’ll shoot down an apple for you. Cupid shot his bow and arrow at an apple high above their heads. Down came two, with just one arrow.

Wow, good shot, said Natalie. They look like hearts shot by an arrow.

Cupid only smiled. It was a lucky shot. I can do it again.

Natalie said, No, I’m good. Your bow and arrows are like magic.

Cupid shook his head. The ground trembled again. Natalie did not say anything, but smoke was still coming out of the volcano.

Late that afternoon, Natalie asked, Cupid, will you walk me home?

Yep, I will. They walked and walked for a long time.

Do you want to ride? Cupid asked.

Natalie furrowed her eyebrows. What kind of ride?

Cupid grabbed her and flew her up to the mountain.

To her surprise, she felt free. Cool air blew her long hair behind her. This is fun. Go higher and higher.

But Cupid’s wings were small and could not hold a lot of weight. He tired quickly. Cupid put her down.

She planted a kiss on his cheek. Thank you. Will you do that again for me sometime? Let’s just walk. Will you walk me all the way home?

Sure, I will. He pointed to his left. What’s that over there?

Oh, that’s just Rosemary Cemetery.

Cupid had never seen a cemetery before. What is it for?

"That’s where my ancestors and the people before me have died and are buried. It’s been there a long time.

It had a metal fence and a black metal gate. Cupid frowned. I don’t want to go there. Rosemary Cemetery gave Cupid the creeps, even though he knew the dead could not harm him.

Neither do I. Let’s just keep walking. The bright sun beat down on them and it was a little hot.

How far do you live? asked Cupid.

It’s just a little further. They stepped over sharp rocks and weeds, even a couple of scorpions along the way. Natalie’s hair was so long it dragged on the ground.

Are we there yet? Cupid asked.

No not yet, little boy. She laughed.

I’m dreaming, nowhere in the world I’d rather be. Dreaming of you. Punish me with fluffy love.

The clouds and the wind were blowing to the southwest. So was the volcano smoke. Maybe a thunderstorm is coming. But there was no thunderstorm, just some passing cloud cover.

A large flat opening was ahead of them away from the volcano, below the mountain. The volcano was still far off. They moved closer to it.

Wow, Natalie, this road is made of gold. Lots and lots of gold. The rocks now appeared to be aquamarine, emeralds, sapphires, large rubies and more gold. More precious stones covered the landscape. It was so bright. Many colored stones, all shapes and sizes. Cupid was dumbfounded. This seems to be to go on for miles.

This is where I live, said Natalie.

Are all the roads made of gold? Are these types of stones all over the place? Look over there. They look like diamonds. Cupid laughed. Natalie, what is this place really called? Where are we? Is all of Earth like this?

Natalie said, No. We are on an island. This is Atlantis.

You mean all this time we’ve been on an island?

Yes, a very big island.

What will you do with all this stuff? Where did it come from?

Natalie shrugged. I don’t know. It’s just always been here. Come on. Let’s take a shortcut. Follow me this way. We’ll go to my Uncle Zeus’ house.

Walking on a sidewalk made of gold and diamonds, they came upon a small house, also made of gold.

There’s my Uncle Zeus . . .Hello Uncle Zeus.

Zeus looked up. Hello Natalie. It looks like you have been on a long walk. We thought you got hurt or lost. Are you okay?

Yes, Uncle. I went to the edge of the forest.

Zeus’s brow knit together and frowned. I told you not to go down there. It’s too dangerous.

Natalie hung her head. I know Uncle. Will I ever learn?

And who is this? asked Zeus.

This is Cupid. He lived in the forest with all those wild animals.

What is that around your neck, Natalie?

Natalie clutched the tooth. It’s a lion’s tooth. Cupid gave it to me.

It’s so big, said Zeus

You see, started Cupid. I saw this large lion and I helped him. Well, it’s a long story, sir.

Natalie said, Cupid says that the lion is his friend, and he rides him.

Zeus did not look convinced. Is that so? Lions can kill you.

Cupid shook his head. Not this lion, sir. He is my friend.

Zeus stroked his long beard. Well, both of you, get cleaned up and rest.

Cupid thought he felt a raindrop but decided it was his imagination. Natalie kissed her uncle and Cupid shook his hand. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.

As they walked away, Natalie turned and told her uncle that Cupid saved her life.

Incredible, said Zeus. You two are going to make me nervous. We will talk more later.

Your uncle is a big guy, Cupid said to Natalie as they walked away. He looks really strong.

He’s also smart. Follow me down this trail.

He obliged. Natalie, tell me something about your uncle.

Okay. One day last year there was a sailing vessel that came to the island. We welcomed the people and gave them food, but once they saw all that gold and gems, they wanted it. Uncle Zeus said they could take as much as they wanted. Food and water too. But they did not listen. They wanted everything for themselves. I think there were between six to eight vessels. Uncle Zeus said that they could have stayed as long as they wanted, even start families of their own. But they just wanted the gold, more and more gold, and heavy gems. They filled their vessels so much that when they cast it off, they only held gold and jewels. No food or water. They were only a hundred yards offshore. Their vessels sank. They all drowned. The same thing has happened again and again. The Molove River, as you call it, has plenty of good drinking water and we have tons and tons of fruit and vegetables. But all they saw were the gold and jewels. They were blinded by greed. They were fools!

Cupid kicked the gold and stones out of his way. I don’t love money or wealth.

I know, Cupid. That’s why I love you. I think my uncle knows that too. I think he likes you. We are protected here because a king like my uncle is smart and not greedy. We would rather have food and water.

They came to the end of Natalie’s shortcut. Cupid could hear music and people laughing, playing and talking. Some people even had instruments, playing songs. There was lots of food everywhere, the tables full. There were chickens running around. All the people looked so happy. Some were telling jokes. One man was putting up a flag. The women were cooking nonstop.

Is today a special occasion? Cupid asked.

No, my silly Cupid. We do this every day and night.

What’s that over there?

Oh, those are just carrots. Help yourself to anything you want.

Cupid looked at everything on the tables. He dipped a carrot into a jar full of honey, then dipped another one for Natalie. Natalie’s hair got caught in the sticky honey. This is a real paradise.

Zeus came up to Cupid. I know who you are and what you are. You came from the heavens. You are a love fairy, a mythical being. You do good. Zeus smiled at Cupid.

Cupid nodded and asked, What’s that over there?

That’s a jail. Every village has a jail, even in paradise.

But it’s made of gold and there is no lock on it. So shiny and well built.

Zeus laughed. Yes, but no one has ever been in it because no one does anything wrong.

Cupid asked Natalie, Who is that man that is throwing the rocks at the apple tree?

Oh, him. He’s my cousin Mack. He’s always getting apples from the trees. He’s our best shot at rock throwing. He helps us get food because he never misses.

And who is that man? Cupid nodded toward a man leaning over a wagon wheel.

His name is Anthony. He always fixes things and repairs our wagons when they break down. He is very handy.

What about that little girl over there near the grape vine? Cupid could not understand why she was crying and singing at the same time. She was so pretty.

That’s my cousin, Jenna Marie. She cries when she sings her heart out.

But she sings so well and lovely. Without hesitation, Cupid, loaded his bow with his arrow, poking it in an apple and shot it straight at Jenna Marie. He struck her dead on. Almost instantly, she stopped crying and sang with a louder and much lovelier grace. She knew where the arrow came from. Jenna Marie walked up to Cupid and handed him back his arrow. Thank you, she said with a big smile.

Even the birds were chirping, and many people were cheering. Zeus, in the distance, looked over to Cupid and bowed his head, in a manner of thanks. Zeus hardly ever smiled but this time he did.

Good shot, Natalie said.

That’s what a love fairy does.

Cupid, I didn’t have any idea you were a love fairy. I am a sea nymph! I can live on the water and up here on land. And you can fly and live on land.

Yes, I can. Now I know why you swim so well.

I am the sea nymph of the southwest parts of this ocean.

Cupid kissed her hand. He was happy and proud of these people. Cupid practiced his whistling. To his surprise, the dog he had seen earlier came running up to him with a bone in his mouth. Cupid reached out and tried tugging on the bone. The dog made a mild growl and ran off to bury his bone behind some gold nuggets. Typical dog - always burying snacks and stuff for a later date. The day was almost over. Cupid was getting a little tired. It would be dark soon. He wanted to lay down and rest for a while. Anywhere. There had been so much excitement and admiration, it almost wore him out. Cupid walked over to the golden jail, opened the door and went in. He laid on the floor and quickly fell asleep

Natalie asked Jenna Marie, Where did Cupid go? Jenna Marie pointed to the jail and put a finger to her lips. Sh, he’s resting.

With great surprise, Natalie said, In the jail?

Yes, in the jail.

Some hours passed. It would soon be daylight. When Cupid woke up, children were already playing and birds chirping. The first thing he saw through the window was the volcano in the distance. He didn’t give it much thought because everyone seemed to think it was harmless. Cupid stood and walked freely out of the jail. Apple pies and peach pies sat on the stoop outside the doorway He ate some peach pie. He had never had that before.

Zeus and Natalie were standing there along with many others. They all greeted him with a warm hello and good morning. He answered with a huge smile and returned the greeting. The children giggled and smiled at him. Everyone had their chores and schoolwork, like busy bees.

Cupid approached Zeus. Thank you, sir, for all the food.

It was a sunny day with just a few clouds above. He thought of Natalie and muttered quietly to himself, I guess I am a prisoner of love.

Did you say something? I couldn’t hear you, Cupid, said Natalie.

The tips of his wings turned crimson. Oh, nothing to worry about. You look so pretty and lovely in the morning.

Natalie’s cheeks blushed the same color as Cupid’s wing tips.

Cupid followed Anthony and Natalie to the ocean front. The water was blue and clean. Natalie dove into the water, deeper and deeper and surfaced with gold. Over and over again, she scooped up the gold, filling the wagon from the shipwreck that sank from their overloaded greed. Anthony and Cupid helped Natalie load the gold. The wood cracked from the weight of the gold.

The wagon is full, said Anthony. Let’s get this back to the village. Cupid, don’t forget your bow.

Oh yeah, Cupid answered. I need that. They dumped the gold into a large pile. No big thing, they were just putting back the gold and precious gems that belonged on the island, gold that belonged on the island of Atlantis. Anthony was a hard worker and very strong. Natalie also. Hopefully, no one would come back again looking for treasures that did not belong to them. Back and forth they went all day, bringing up more and more gold from the bottom of the ocean until all the gold was brought back to where it came from.

Cupid slept night after night in the golden jail. Some kids made look-alike bows and arrows like Cupid’s real bow, but theirs were just toys.

Chapter 2

After sleeping many nights in the golden jail and looking up at the moon, Cupid thought about leaving. It will soon be time for me to go. It made him sad to think about leaving Natalie, but this is what his goddess mother, Aphrodite taught him to do. Cupid would now go to the real parts of Earth. He knew he had to finish his duties;